Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.08.15

In response to “Bill would let drivers cross lines to pass slowpokes” (March 4) and related articles:

Double-yellow line bill would put innocent drivers at risk

The driver who crosses the double-yellow line to pass a slow vehicle deserves to be killed or seriously injured.

But do the driver and any passengers in the oncoming car, or those in the car that was passed, deserve the same fate?

Virginia Sullivan

Charlotte

No new law needed, but slow drivers should let cars pass

With all the critically important issues facing our state, N.C. legislators are wasting time – and our tax dollars – trying to give drivers a “license to kill.”

DOT engineers put the double-yellow lines there for a reason.

The solution is simple common sense: If you’re a driver who needs to go slower and traffic is backing up behind you, realize that you’re a possible traffic hazard and pull off the road to let the line of cars pass.

Jane Lee Watson

Charlotte


In response to “Charlotte LGBT ordinance fails 6-5” (March 3) and related articles:

The Charlotte I returned to isn’t an inclusive place

Born and raised in Charlotte, I recently moved back after six years in California.

I’ve experienced culture shock since my return, and the failure of the anti-discrimination ordinance embodies my feelings: Unless you are heterosexual and aspire to the picket-fence dream, you don’t belong here.

“We don’t want you,” the Queen City says. “Take your true self-expression elsewhere.”

It’s no wonder that this region has had a difficult time attracting the bright, young, nonconformist creative-types who fuel economic growth. They gravitate toward more inclusive cities.

The future is bleak for this region if we cannot provide minimal, anti-discrimination measures for all.

Kalle Sousana

Charlotte


Pittenger ignores reality on Iran as he bangs drum for war

Rep. Robert Pittenger feels there is already a bad deal in play with Iran, which is not true.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu clearly reiterated what President Obama and U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice have already explained to the American people: We are negotiating with Iran and no deal has been made.

We do not need Rep. Pittenger banging a drum for war before pursuing a diplomatic course. Our country has fallen for this before – and look where we are now.

Laurel Colton

Matthews


In response to “Adams to be only Carolinas Dem at speech” (March 3):

Rep. Alma Adams served her diverse constituency well

Despite pressure not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech before Congress, Rep. Alma Adams, by appearing in the chamber for Netanyahu’s speech, displayed her skills honed as a teacher in the classroom by keeping an open mind, thoroughly studying the issues and listening to all sides.

She is willing to consider bipartisan approaches to acting on the many dilemmas confronting our nation.

Thank you Rep. Adams!

Steve Hockfield

Charlotte


In response to “Clinton email subpoenaed” (March 5) and related articles:

Clinton deserves same scrutiny that Gen. Petraeus received

In 25 years of U.S. Air Force active duty, including assignments as a senior officer in the Pentagon and Strategic Air Command, I learned well the rules for handling and storing classified material.

Gen. David Petraeus knew these rules as well, allegedly violated them, and is being held responsible for his actions.

Now comes former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Will the U.S. Attorney General launch an exhaustive investigation into Mrs. Clinton’s practices, as was done for the General?

John Johnston

Denver, N.C.

Clinton email scandal just another GOP witch hunt

Republicans are manufacturing a Hillary Clinton scandal over emails.

Facts are, Clinton is not the first Secretary of State to use a personal email account. Colin Powell also did.

The State Department recently changed its policy such that John Kerry now uses a government email account.

Hillary should continue her policy of not responding to Republican nonsense.

I care more about getting our nation’s issues solved. Republicans now have the majority. Let’s see leadership and problem solving.

Beverly Tatum

Waxhaw

This story was originally published March 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.08.15."

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